The London Plan Mayor of London 193

4C the Blue Ribbon Network

4.72 This part of the London Plan sets out policies for the Blue Ribbon Network. It replaces the London parts of RPG3b/9b (Strategic Planning Guidance for the River Thames). It also recognises the inter-relationships of all of London’s waterways and water bodies by extending policy to cover the whole network rather than just the Thames.

4.73 This part is in seven sections: • the first sets out the Blue Ribbon Network Principles • the second defines the Blue Ribbon Network • the third looks at natural resources, forces and human heritage • the fourth looks at sustainable growth principles • the fifth at enjoying the Blue Ribbon Network • the sixth examines design • the last looks at London’s water spaces.

4.74 The Blue Ribbon Network has an essential role to play in delivering all the key elements of the Mayor’s vision of an exemplary, sustainable world city. Water is a valuable and scarce asset within London and its use must be set within sustainable limits which prioritise those uses and activities that need a waterside location. The Mayor has a visionary approach to the Blue Ribbon Network, taking the water as the starting point for decision- making. This approach is encapsulated by the following Blue Ribbon Network Principles, which reflect the objectives set out in the Introduction, and which should structure relevant decision-making.

1 The Blue Ribbon Network Principles • To accommodate London’s growth within its boundaries without encroaching on green spaces, policies should make the most sustainable and efficient use of space in London, by protecting and enhancing the multi-functional nature of the Blue Ribbon Network so that it enables and supports those uses and activities that require a water or waterside location.

• To make London a better city for people to live in, policies should protect and enhance the Blue Ribbon Network as part of the public realm contributing to London’s open space network. Opportunities for sport, leisure and education should be promoted. The Blue Ribbon Network should be safe and healthy and offer a mixture of vibrant and calm places.

• To make London a more prosperous city with strong and diverse economic growth, policies should exploit the potential for water-borne transport, leisure, tourism and waterway support industries. The attractiveness of the Blue Ribbon Network for investment should be 194 Mayor of London The London Plan

captured by appropriate waterside development and regeneration. This will include the restoration of the network and creation of new links.

• To promote social inclusion and tackle deprivation and discrimination, policies should ensure that the Blue Ribbon Network is accessible for everyone as part of London’s public realm and that its cultural and environmental assets are used to stimulate appropriate development in areas of regeneration and need.

• To improve London’s accessibility, use of the Blue Ribbon Network for water-borne transport of people and goods (including waste and aggregates) should be increased. Alongside the Blue Ribbon Network there also opportunities for pedestrian and cycling routes.

• To make London a more attractive, well-designed and green city, policies should protect and enhance the biodiversity and landscape value of the Blue Ribbon Network. The network should also be respected as the location of a rich variety of heritage that contributes to the vitality and distinctiveness of many parts of London. London must also have reliable and sustainable supplies of water and methods of sewage disposal and a precautionary approach must be taken to the risks created by global warming and the potential for flooding.

4.75 Successful implementation means balancing competing economic, social and environmental interests to contribute to achieving sustainable development. This requires co-ordination between the GLA and the GLA group organisations, local authorities and other public, private and voluntary organisations. Annex 5 sets out an action plan for implementation.

4.76 The Blue Ribbon Network Principles have been developed and refined from the five functions of the Thames and the objectives that were identified in RPG3b/9b. One fundamental change is that the water is not seen as merely a setting for development. Rather, this plan promotes the use of the water-related spaces. Types of sustainable use are many and varied but include water transport, water recreation, waterside open space, natural habitats and flood storage or protection.

2 Defining the Blue Ribbon Network 4.77 The Blue Ribbon Network includes the Thames, the canal network, the other tributaries, rivers and streams within London and London’s open water spaces such as docks, reservoirs and lakes. It includes culverted (or covered over) parts of rivers, canals or streams. A diagram illustrating some of the main elements of the Blue Ribbon Network is shown in The London Plan Mayor of London 195

Map 4C.1. However this does not show every tributary or water body. Boroughs should include these when reviewing their UDPs.

4.78 The water space is taken to include that area where water is normally present or is within expected variations in levels, such as within banks or tidal ranges. Flood plains are defined separately and may extend some distance from a watercourse. The Mayor expects proposals with the potential to affect waterways to have reference to the Blue Ribbon Network policies and principles. However, the Blue Ribbon Network concept does not attempt to define a set margin beside water spaces that is subject to these considerations, as this will vary with the differing character and landscape of water corridors.

Policy 4C.1 The strategic importance of the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, recognise the strategic importance of the Blue Ribbon Network when making strategies and plans, when considering planning applications and when carrying out their other responsibilities. Other agencies involved in the management of the Blue Ribbon Network should recognise its strategic importance through their policies, decisions and other activities.

All agencies involved in the management of the Blue Ribbon Network should seek to work collaboratively to ensure a co-ordinated and cohesive approach to land use planning, other activities and the use of the Blue Ribbon Network. Decisions should be based upon the Blue Ribbon Network Principles. 196 Mayor of London The London Plan

map 4C.1 The Blue Ribbon Network

source Environment and Scientific Services, British Waterways note Not all tributaries are shown The London Plan Mayor of London 197

3 Natural resources, forces and human heritage

Policy 4C.2 Context for sustainable growth Development and use of the water and waterside land along the Blue Ribbon Network should respect resource considerations and natural forces in order to ensure that future development and uses are sustainable and safe.

Biodiversity and natural heritage

Policy 4C.3 The natural value of the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect and enhance the biodiversity of the Blue Ribbon Network by: • resisting development that results in a net loss of biodiversity • designing new waterside developments in ways that increase habitat value • allowing development into the water space only where it serves a water-dependent purpose or is a truly exceptional case which adds to London’s world city status • taking opportunities to open culverts and naturalise river channels • protecting the value of the foreshore of the River Thames.

Wider biodiversity issues are covered by Policy 3D.12.

4.79 The Blue Ribbon Network comprises semi-natural and man-made water systems. It is a resource for London and its use must ensure the future protection and enhancement of the network. The Blue Ribbon Network is also subject to natural forces such as tides, erosion and floods. It is a dynamic system and its use and development should respect these forces.

4.80 The Blue Ribbon Network serves as a valuable series of habitats for wildlife. Many parts of it are semi-natural systems and in such a heavily urbanised area, they often offer a sense of nature that has been lost across much of London. The biodiversity of the Blue Ribbon Network has generally improved over the past few decades from a position where many rivers and canals contained little life. However, the natural value is still under threat from sources of pollution (see Policies 4A.11-4A.13) and insensitive development and management.

4.81 Almost all of London’s waterways have been physically altered from their natural state and this has usually led to a reduction in their habitat value. Development into the waterways, also known as encroachment, has a negative impact on biodiversity. This plan promotes the continued ecological recovery of the Blue Ribbon Network. 198 Mayor of London The London Plan

4.82 There are exceptional cases where development that is unsympathetic to biodiversity can be allowed, such as piers or wharves that enable river transport. In such cases development should be designed to minimise, and wherever possible mitigate, its impact on biodiversity.

4.83 Enclosed water bodies have fared differently. While many natural ponds have been lost, there is evidence to show that there are large numbers of ponds in Londoners’ back gardens and that these make a valuable contribution to biodiversity1.

4.84 Large water bodies have been created as reservoirs to supply water, as docks, as lakes following mineral extraction or as ornamental features. These also make a positive contribution to biodiversity and opportunities to improve their biodiversity value through better management or sensitive planting should be taken. Several water bodies are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Policy 4C.4 Natural landscape The Mayor will, and boroughs should, recognise the Blue Ribbon Network as contributing to the open space network of London. Where appropriate natural landscapes should be protected and enhanced. As part of Open Space Strategies, boroughs should identify potential opportunities alongside waterways for the creation and enhancement of open spaces.

4.85 Rivers, canals and other open water spaces can contribute by their very nature to a feeling of openness. It would not be appropriate to protect all water spaces in the same way as open spaces on land. Open spaces adjacent to the river network can also provide areas for flood mitigation measures. The Mayor recognises that London’s ‘natural’ landscapes are, in fact, mostly semi-natural.

Policy 4C.5 Impounding of rivers The Mayor will, and boroughs should, resist proposals for the impounding or partial impounding of any rivers unless they are clearly in the wider interest of London. Proposals that include the removal of such impounding structures should generally be welcomed.

4.86 Impounding of rivers (that is, creating dams or barrages) disrupts natural systems and usually results in a significant maintenance burden in order to manage the flood risks and silt build-up that can occur. The London Plan Mayor of London 199

Policy 4C.6 Flood plains In reviewing their UDPs, boroughs should identify areas at risk from flooding (flood zones). Within these areas the assessment of development proposals should be carried out in line with PPG25. In particular, boroughs should avoid permitting built development in functional flood plains.

Policy 4C.7 Flood defences For locations adjacent to flood defences, permanent built development should be set back from those defences to allow for the replacement/repair of the defences and any future raising to be done in a sustainable and cost-effective way. The Mayor will, and boroughs should, ensure that development does not undermine or breach flood defences in any way. Development associated with buildings and structures already within the statutory defence line should not increase the risk to occupiers of these buildings or inhibit the raising of future flood defences.

4.87 The management of flood risk is extremely pertinent to London. The twice daily fluctuations in the tidal Thames estuary are a major cause for concern, especially when the effect is exacerbated by weather conditions. The government now advises that the net sea level rise for the southeast is 6mm per year. This means that the future adequacy of tidal defences needs to be kept under review. The Environment Agency has embarked on a five-year investigation into the nature of the future flood risks to London. The Mayor will be involved in this work.

4.88 The main implications in London are for development within the Thames Gateway, where significant areas are shown to be within an area at risk from flooding, see Map 4C.2. The need to take a precautionary approach to flood risk will affect the form, layout and design of many sites and not just those adjacent to the river. Suitable measures will need to be identified on a site-by-site basis as the result of flood risk assessments. They may include flood warning systems, buildings that will remain structurally sound and could recover in the event of flooding and, for sites near flood defences, a suitable development-free margin that will allow for the sustainable and cost effective maintenance and improvement of flood defences. In some cases, flood defences can be incorporated into buildings. Given that built development is to be wholly exceptional on functional flood plains, there may be scope for some such areas to be used for renewable energy generation such as wind turbines. The Mayor 200 Mayor of London The London Plan

has carried out a Climate Change Impact Study and will keep this policy area under review (see also Policy 4A.10).

map 4C.2 Indicative flood risk areas

source Environment Agency note These areas are currently protected from this level of risk

4.89 Flooding is also an issue on many of London’s tributary rivers. Climate change is likely to mean that there will be up to 10 per cent more rainfall, which may occur in more unpredictable weather patterns. Given these trends, this plan sets out a framework based on a precautionary approach. This will ensure that development minimises future risks of flooding in a sustainable way by making reasonable allowances for possible future climate scenarios.

Policy 4C.8 Sustainable drainage The Mayor will, and boroughs should, seek to ensure that surface water run-off is managed as close to its source as possible. The use of sustainable urban drainage systems should be promoted for development unless there are practical reasons for not doing so. Such reasons may include the local ground conditions or density of development. In such cases, the developer should seek to manage as much run-off as possible on site and explore sustainable methods of managing the remainder as close as possible to the site. The London Plan Mayor of London 201

4.90 Sustainable drainage techniques will be one of the keys to ensuring that long-term flooding risk is managed, particularly given the extent of hard surfaced area in London. These techniques include permeable surfaces, storage on site, green roofs, infiltration techniques and even water butts. Further details will be provided in Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Design and Construction. Many of these techniques also have benefits for biodiversity by creating habitat and some can help to reduce the demand for supplied water.

Policy 4C.9 Rising groundwater In considering major planning applications in areas where rising groundwater is an existing or potential problem, the Mayor will, and boroughs should, expect reasonable steps to be taken to abstract and use that groundwater. The water may be used for cooling or watering purposes or may be suitable for use within the development or by a water supply company.

4.91 Under central and inner London the level of groundwater has been rising over recent decades due to reduced commercial abstraction. This causes a problem because much of London’s infrastructure including tube tunnels, underground services and building foundations has been built while the groundwater was suppressed.

4.92 The Mayor supports the GARDIT2 project on utilising groundwater and will work to ensure that its recommendations are continued in the interests of London.

4.93 Water resources, quality, sewerage and water supply infrastructure are closely linked to the sustainability of the Blue Ribbon Network. These issues are covered by Policies 4A.11-4A.13.

Built heritage

Policy 4C.10 Historic environment The Mayor will, and boroughs should, give careful consideration to the relationship between new development and the historic environment, including listed buildings and archaeological areas. The tidal foreshore is an area of particular importance. Development should also respect waterway heritage including important structures, such as cranes and other waterway infrastructure (see Policies 4B.10 and 4B.11). 202 Mayor of London The London Plan

Policy 4C.11 Conservation areas Boroughs, in conjunction with the Mayor, English Heritage and neighbouring local planning authorities, should develop a consistent approach to the delineation of Conservation Areas and the relationship of boundaries to water spaces.

4.94 Many of London’s best loved and historically important buildings and places are situated along the banks of the Thames and London’s waterways. London’s four World Heritage Sites are found adjacent to the Thames, and there are numerous Conservation Areas and listed buildings adjacent to all waterways. Historical infrastructure, such as cranes, can also add to our understanding of waterways.

4.95 At present the delineation of Conservation Areas is inconsistent with some boundaries extending into the water space and others not. It is not generally appropriate for Conservation Areas to extend across water spaces as they may not meet all the criteria and designation could be an inappropriate constraint on waterways achieving some of the Blue Ribbon Network Principles. Conservation Areas should relate to the quality of the waterside and how it relates either to the historical functions or appearance of the area. Where conservation areas do cover the water or waterside areas, their management plans should ensure that they do not prohibit water-dependent development. Policies 4B.10-4B.13 cover conservation and heritage issues. Archaeological issues are covered by Policy 4B.14.

The Blue Ribbon Network in an exemplary sustainable world city 4.96 Growth in the use and development of the Blue Ribbon Network is constrained by the capacity of a semi-natural system and existing human heritage. There must be enough space for vital services and facilities and for mixed use development wherever possible, to allow all Londoners the opportunity to use, enjoy, work and live on or near water spaces.

4.97 The Blue Ribbon Network is an important part of London’s economy and experience in terms, for example of cargo-handling, port activities, transport and tourism.

4 Sustainable growth priorities

Policy 4C.12 Sustainable growth priorities for the Blue Ribbon Network The uses of the Blue Ribbon Network and land alongside it should be prioritised in favour of those uses that specifically require a waterside The London Plan Mayor of London 203

location. These uses include water transport, leisure, recreation, wharves and flood defences.

For sites that are not suitable or not needed for these priority uses, developments should capitalise on the water as an asset and enhance the Blue Ribbon Network in order to improve the quality of life for Londoners as a whole, as well as for the users of the development.

4.98 Waterside locations will continue to be important for regeneration and economic growth in London. Many of the waterside areas with developable land are in the Opportunity Areas defined in Chapter 5. The Mayor will work with boroughs and other development partners to ensure that development of these locations includes a mix of opportunities to use, enjoy and improve the Blue Ribbon Network.

4.99 The following locations, which are identified as Opportunity Areas or Areas for Intensification (see Chapter 5) include or adjoin parts of the Blue Ribbon Network.

Opportunity Areas Relevant water spaces Barking Reach Thames and tributaries London Riverside Thames and tributaries Belvedere/Erith Thames Cricklewood/Brent Cross River Brent Deptford Creek/Greenwich Riverside Deptford Creek, Thames Greenwich Peninsula Thames Hayes/West Drayton/Southall Grand Union Canal, Yeading Brook Heathrow/Feltham/Bedfont Lakes River Crane King’s Cross Regents Canal Ilford River Roding Isle of Dogs Docks, Thames Lower Lea Valley Bow Back Rivers, River Lea Paddington Grand Union Canal Park Royal Grand Union Canal Royal Docks Docks, Thames Stratford Bow Back Rivers, River Lea Thamesmead Thames Tottenham Hale River Lea, Pymmes Brook Upper Lea Valley River Lea and tributaries Vauxhall/Nine Elms/Battersea Thames Waterloo Thames Wembley Wealdstone Brook 204 Mayor of London The London Plan

Areas for Intensification Beckton Thames, River Roding South Wimbledon/Colliers Wood River Wandle Kidbrooke Quaggy River Haringey Heartlands/Wood Green Moselle Brook Woolwich Town Centre/ Thames Royal Arsenal

source GLA

Using the Blue Ribbon Network to support sustainable growth 4.100 Government initiatives to encourage the sustainable distribution of goods and services have led to renewed interest in using the waterway network to move goods and people. This can contribute to reducing congestion and minimising the environmental effects of heavy goods movements.

4.101 The planning of facilities to support sustainable growth in water transport, tourism, leisure, sport, support facilities and safety provision and to redress deficiencies, should be undertaken through the Thames Policy Area appraisals (see Policy 4C.26) and through the UDP process.

Policy 4C.13 Passenger and tourism uses on the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect existing facilities for passenger and tourist traffic on the Blue Ribbon Network. New development facilities that increase use of the Blue Ribbon Network for passenger and tourist traffic should be encouraged, especially in areas of deficiency. Proposals for Opportunity Areas and Areas for Intensification should provide such facilities, where they are appropriate and contribute towards improving the connections between different transport services.

4.102 Increasing use of the Blue Ribbon Network for passenger and tourist transport requires cruise liner facilities, new piers and on the canals dedicated stopping facilities (mooring sites/places/posts and inter- change points). These facilities can be co-located on piers and waterside sites. Where possible, new services should be integrated with other transport services and routes by well-designed inter-change points and signage. New facilities should not affect safe navigation nor have an adverse impact on important waterway biodiversity.

Policy 4C.14 Freight uses on the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, support new development and facilities that increase the use of the Blue Ribbon Network to transport freight and general goods, especially in areas of deficiency. The London Plan Mayor of London 205

4.103 Increasing the use of the Blue Ribbon Network for freight transport is a widely supported objective as this is a more sustainable method of transport and can help to reduce congestion and the impact of goods vehicles on London’s roads. The Thames has many wharf facilities and there are a small number of discreet opportunities on the canal network. The use of water transport for freight is also encouraged in Policy 3C.24.

Policy 4C.15 Safeguarded wharves on the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect safeguarded wharves for cargo-handling uses, such as inter-port or transhipment movements and freight-related purposes. The Mayor will, and boroughs should, encourage appropriate temporary uses of vacant safeguarded wharves. Temporary uses should only be allowed where they do not preclude the wharf being re-used for cargo-handling uses. Development next to or opposite safeguarded wharves should be designed to minimise the potential for conflicts of use and disturbance.

The redevelopment of safeguarded wharves should only be accepted if the wharf is no longer viable or capable of being made viable for cargo-handling. (The criteria for assessing the viability of wharves are set out in paragraph 4.105).

4.104 Working with boroughs and the Port of London Authority, the Mayor has identified and reviewed the appropriate location and size of sites along the Thames to be protected for freight-handling3. The safeguarding will be reviewed periodically in future.

4.105 The redevelopment of safeguarded wharves should only be accepted if the wharf is no longer viable or capable of being made viable for cargo- handling uses. The only exceptional circumstance to this would be for a strategic proposal of essential benefit for London, which cannot be planned for or delivered on any other site in Greater London. The viability of a wharf is dependant on: • the wharf’s size, shape, orientation, navigational access, road access, rail access (where possible), planning history, environmental impact and surrounding land use context • the geographical location of the wharf, in terms of proximity and connections to existing and potential market areas • the existing and potential contribution that the wharf can make towards reducing road-based freight movements • existing and potential relationships between the wharf and other cargo-handling sites or land uses 206 Mayor of London The London Plan

• the location and availability of capacity at comparable alternative wharves, having regard to current and projected Port of London and wharf capacity and market demands • in the case of non-operational sites, the likely timescale within which a viable cargo-handling operation can be attracted to the site, having regard to the short-term land-use policy, and long-term trade forecasts.

4.106 If a wharf is no longer viable, redevelopment proposals must incorporate water-based passenger transport, leisure and recreation facilities and water transport support facilities first, before non-river-related uses that do not require a riverside location.

4.107 Appropriate temporary uses on vacant safeguarded wharves can ensure that investment in the wharf is maintained and image problems are minimised for the wider area. Temporary uses must maintain the existing cargo-handling infrastructure to a specified standard, be limited by a temporary permission with a specific end date and priority should be given to uses which require a waterside location as set out in Policy 4C.12.

4.108 Wharves are increasingly surrounded by different land uses that do not have an industrial or freight purpose. Many wharves are in the Opportunity Areas identified in Chapter 5. The challenge is to minimise conflict between the new and the old land uses. This must be met through modifications and safeguards built into new and established developments. Wharf operators should use the latest available technology, equipment and business practices. New development next to or opposite wharves should utilise the layout, use and environmental credentials of buildings to design away these potential conflicts. Boroughs should ensure that highway access to wharves for commercial vehicles is maintained when considering proposals for development of neighbouring sites.

5 Enjoying the Blue Ribbon Network

Policy 4C.16 Increasing sport and leisure use on the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect existing facilities for sport and leisure on the Blue Ribbon Network. Other than in locations where there would be conflict with nature conservation interests, new development and facilities that increase the use of the Blue Ribbon Network for sport and leisure use should be encouraged, especially in areas of deficiency. Proposals for Opportunity Areas and Areas for Intensification should provide these facilities and improve access to different sport and leisure activities. The London Plan Mayor of London 207

4.109 The Blue Ribbon Network should not continue to be developed as a private resource or backdrop, which only privileged people can afford to be near to or enjoy. It provides many different opportunities for enjoyment, some actively involving the water and others simply benefiting from the calm and reflective feeling of being near water. Both active and passive activities can contribute towards improving the health of Londoners.

4.110 Londoners can experience a great variety of watersport opportunities within a relatively short distance of their home or work. Policy 3D.5 relates to sports facilities in general.

Policy 4C.17 Increasing access alongside and to the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect and improve existing access points to, alongside and over the Blue Ribbon Network. New sections to extend existing or create new walking and cycling routes alongside the Blue Ribbon Network as well as new access points should be provided as part of development proposals for Opportunity Areas and Areas for Intensification, especially in areas of deficiency.

4.111 The Thames Path initiative continues to expand as gaps in the walking network are filled in, as part of redevelopment schemes. Opportunities should be examined to extend the Thames Path to London’s eastern boundary. New sections of the network should be designed to be easily accessible and understood by all Londoners. Canals tend to have a path on one side only. In some busy areas it may be appropriate to have a towpath on both sides, but in most cases the existing access structure should be respected. New walkways should link to the surrounding walking network, be dedicated for public use and include appropriate signage and interpretation material.

4.112 Many parts of riverside footpaths and canal towpaths are suitable for cycling. Measures are sometimes needed to reduce potentially dangerous conflicts between cyclists and others.

4.113 The Mayor supports the work of a number of organisations and partnerships that work to clean up the Blue Ribbon Network and provide education, awareness and promotion of various parts of it. Parts of the Blue Ribbon Network are used as an educational resource both formally through organised events and school visits and informally through individual exploration. Opportunities to extend safely these experiences should be welcomed particularly as part of major development proposals. 208 Mayor of London The London Plan

Support facilities for using and enjoying the Blue Ribbon Network

Policy 4C.18 Support facilities and activities in the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect waterway support facilities, infrastructure and activities. New support facilities, infrastructure and activities that support use and enjoyment of the Blue Ribbon Network should be encouraged, especially in areas of deficiency and as part of development in Opportunity Areas and Areas for Intensification.

The criteria set out below should be used to assess proposals for the redevelopment of existing facilities and sites for other uses.

4.114 Support activities and facilities are vital to delivering greater use and enjoyment. These include boat building, servicing and repair activities, mooring sites and posts, boat houses and boatyards, slipways, steps and stairs and other landing or stopping places. Support facilities and infrastructure should be identified and protected through UDPs and the Thames Policy Area appraisals. Proposals to remove or redevelop these for non-supporting uses should be refused unless it can be proven that: • the site or facility is surplus to current or anticipated future requirements, and • appropriate methods have been used to market the premises for support facilities uses prior to proposals for redevelopment and that no realistic offer has been received, or • alternative facilities are to be provided at a newly established or improved facility capable of serving the same market sector.

4.115 If a site is found to be surplus to current or anticipated requirements, redevelopment proposals must incorporate other water-dependent uses first, including water-based passenger and freight transport and other water-based sport and leisure facilities, before non-river-related uses that do not require a riverside location.

4.116 The challenge to minimise conflict between the new and the old land uses must be met both through modifications and safeguards built into new and established developments. New support facilities and infrastructure should not affect safe navigation on the waterways or adversely impact on important waterway biodiversity.

Policy 4C.19 Moorings facilities on the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect and improve existing mooring facilities on the Blue Ribbon Network. New mooring facilities should generally be in basins or docks but may be appropriate in areas The London Plan Mayor of London 209

of deficiency or as an aid to regeneration, where the impact on navigation, biodiversity and character is not harmful.

4.117 Waterside moorings for visitors and residents are a key support facility currently in short supply. Moorings can add to the activity, diversity and safety of the canals and parts of the river network. New moorings should be designed to minimise their impact on waterway navigation and biodiversity and be managed in a way that respects the character of the waterway and the needs of waterway users. New residential and long-stay visitor moorings should have land-based support facilities, including power, water, sewage and rubbish disposal, secure storage and washing facilities.

4.118 Proposals to use moorings for other uses should only be permitted where they can be shown to be of wider benefit to the Blue Ribbon Network such as an education resource. The Blue Ribbon Network should not be used as an extension of the developable land in London nor should parts of it be a continuous line of moored craft.

6 Design

Policy 4C.20 Design – starting from the water The Mayor will, and boroughs should, seek a high quality of design for all waterside development. All development, including intensive or tall buildings, should reflect local character, meet general principles of good urban design and improve the quality of the built environment.

In addition, development should integrate successfully with the water space in terms of use, appearance and physical impact and should in particular: • include a mix of uses appropriate to the water space, including public uses and open spaces, to ensure an inclusive accessible and active waterside and ground level frontage • integrate into the public realm, especially in relation to walking and cycling routes and borough open space strategies. Public art will often be appropriate in such locations as well as clear signage, information and lighting to promote the use of waterside spaces by all • incorporate built form that has a human scale of interaction with the street, public spaces and waterside and integrates with existing communities and places • recognise the opportunity to provide landmarks that are of cultural and social significance along the waterways, providing orientation points and pleasing views without causing undue harm to the cohesiveness of the water’s edge 210 Mayor of London The London Plan

• relate successfully in terms of scale, materials, colour and richness of detail, not only to direct neighbours but also to buildings on the opposite bank and those seen in the same context with the River Prospects (see Policy 4B.15) or other locally identified views. Such juxtaposition of buildings should take into account river meanders and the impact these can have on how buildings may be seen together • incorporate sustainable design and construction techniques, in particular a precautionary approach to flood risk.

4.119 The quality of the built environment alongside the rivers and waterways makes an important contribution to London’s image and status as a world city. Every stretch of the waterways has its own character and this needs to be reflected in the design of new development.

4.120 Water space needs to be set at the heart of consideration of development along the waterside – the water must be the starting point. The emphasis on context does not mean that a uniform blandness for the areas around water spaces is sought or that new forms of development are not appropriate, but rather that the waterside should be regarded as a scarce resource and development should achieve a balance between the roles identified in the Blue Ribbon Network Principles.

4.121 Any proposals for developments along the Blue Ribbon Network should take account of the urban design guidelines for London set out in Chapter 4, Part B. The Mayor also intends to produce Supplementary Planning Guidance on design and specific issues relating to the waterways will be included.

4.122 The Blue Ribbon Network offers a diversity of water soundscapes. Some places are tranquil and quiet, while in others, the sounds of water-related activities such as boatyards and docks may contribute to distinctive local character. This diversity is to be valued as set out in the Mayor’s London Ambient Noise Strategy.

Policy 4C.21 Design statements For all major development proposals within the Thames Policy Area and adjacent to the rest of the Blue Ribbon Network, the Mayor will, and boroughs should, ensure that development is attractive and appropriate. Developers should prepare assessments to cover: • impacts of scale, mass, height, silhouette, density, layout, materials and colour The London Plan Mayor of London 211

• proposals for water edge, visual and physical permeability and links with hinterland, public access, including addressing safety provision, landscaping, open spaces, street furniture and lighting • impacts of the proposal on the water space to demonstrate how the water space will be used and affected including impacts on biodiversity and hydrology • impact on river prospects and any other locally designated views.

4.123 Views to and from the waterways are especially significant because the openness of water spaces allows for relatively long-distance views. The Mayor’s policies for the new views framework for London recognise the special value of views from and across the Thames.

4.124 Boroughs may also wish to designate local views related to water spaces. The quality of the development along the edges of the water spaces will be of particular importance to these views. Policies for design are set out in Chapter 4, Part B.

4.125 The meandering course of the Thames, as well as other rivers, can give additional emphasis to the location of tall buildings adjacent to water spaces. There are a number of distinct adverse effects that tall buildings can have when located next to water. These include the impacts of overshadowing, wind turbulence and creating a visual canyon. The design of tall buildings along the Blue Ribbon Network needs to address these effects (see Policies 4B.8 and 4B.9).

Structures over and into the Blue Ribbon Network

Policy 4C.22 Structures over and into the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect the unique character and openness of the Blue Ribbon Network. Proposals for new structures should be accompanied by a risk assessment detailing the extent of their impact on navigation, hydrology and biodiversity, and mitigation measures proposed to address the adverse impacts identified. Proposals for structures over or into the water space for uses that do not specifically require a waterside location should be resisted.

4.126 Structures across and into rivers and canals are vital for effective communications and service provision. Bridges are also monuments and tourist attractions. New structures should be restricted to structures that support activities that specifically require a waterside location or help Londoners to appreciate the Blue Ribbon Network. Where structures are 212 Mayor of London The London Plan

needed they should minimise their navigational, hydrological and biodiversity impacts.

Safety on and near to the Blue Ribbon Network

Policy 4C.23 Safety on and near to the Blue Ribbon Network The Mayor will work with boroughs, the Port of London Authority, the Environment Agency, British Waterways and others, to ensure that existing safety provision on the Blue Ribbon Network is protected and regularly maintained. New safety provision should be provided as part of proposals for Opportunity Areas, Areas for Intensification, and in areas of deficiency. Proposals for major developments along the Blue Ribbon Network must be accompanied by a safety and risk assessment.

4.127 Safety on and near to the Blue Ribbon Network should be a key priority for all organisations involved in the management and stewardship of the water space. The principles of water safety should be observed in existing and new developments and in the safety procedures of all those using the Blue Ribbon Network.

7 London’s water spaces The Thames and tidal tributaries

Policy 4C.24 Importance of the Thames The Mayor will, and boroughs should, recognise that the Thames plays an essential role in maintaining London as an exemplary, sustainable world city and should promote greater use of the river for transport and water- based leisure uses.

4.128 The Thames itself changes a great deal in its size and character as it flows through London. The Blue Ribbon Network Principles value this diversity, and the twice daily changes brought by the tidal nature of the river.

4.129 The central London stretches of the Thames are world-famous locations, featuring well-known landmarks and views. Many other stretches have important historic, cultural and natural connections. These aspects of the Thames should be protected.

4.130 There are opportunities to increase the role that the Thames plays in transport terms. The Mayor believes that river transport should be increased within sustainable limits and that owners and users of riverside sites should consider how they could contribute to or benefit from river transport. The London Plan Mayor of London 213

Policy 4C.25 Thames Policy Area Relevant boroughs, in reviewing their UDPs, must designate a Thames Policy Area. Boroughs should identify the detailed boundaries based on the indicative diagrams in Annex 5. This should be done in consultation with neighbouring authorities, including those across the river. In defining the boundaries, boroughs should have regard to the following criteria: • proximity to the Thames, including its tributaries and associated areas of water such as docks, canals, filter beds and reservoirs, whether or not directly linked to the Thames, but where an association with the Thames is retained together with a proportion of open water • contiguous areas with clear visual links between areas and buildings and the river, including views from across the river and areas where it may be beneficial to establish future visual links • specific geographical features – such as main roads, railway lines, hedges, identified as particularly relevant for defining the boundary across large open spaces • the whole curtilage of properties or sites adjacent to the Thames, except where major development sites have been identified and it is intended to publish master plans/strategies of future development • areas and buildings whose functions relate or link to the Thames and/or river-related uses or sites that have the potential to be linked • areas and buildings that have an historic, archaeological or cultural association with the Thames, including planned vistas marked by existing or former landscape features • boundaries should have coherence with neighbouring authorities.

Policy 4C.26 Appraisals of the Thames Policy Area In order to deliver policy and actions within the Thames Policy Area, relevant boroughs should prepare detailed appraisals of their stretches of the river and its environs. Boroughs are encouraged to carry out this work in collaboration with other boroughs, the Mayor and relevant stakeholders. These appraisals would be expected to consider: • the local character of the river • public and freight transport nodes (both land- and water-based, existing and potential) • development sites and regeneration opportunities • opportunities for environmental and urban design improvements • sites of ecological or archaeological importance • areas, sites, buildings, structures, landscapes and views of particular sensitivity and importance • focal points of public activity • public access 214 Mayor of London The London Plan

• recreation and marine infrastructure • indicative flood risk.

The appraisal should also identify areas of deficiency and the actions needed to address these deficiencies. These relate to facilities for: • water-based passenger, tourism and freight transport • water-based sport and leisure • access and safety provision • marine support facilities and infrastructure and moorings.

4.131 Boroughs, in collaboration with the Mayor and other relevant stakeholders, should carry out appraisals of the river and its environs. The Thames Strategies, Hampton–Kew and Kew–Chelsea, fulfil this role but will need updating to take into account the London Plan. The Thames Strategy East is being developed in line with this plan. These appraisals should be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by the relevant boroughs and kept under review and consistent with the Blue Ribbon Network Principles. They should also be used to determine some of the expectations for the development of riverside sites.

4.132 As part of major development proposals for sites with a Thames frontage, consideration should be given to the need and desirability of having facilities to enable access to and from the river, both for boats and for pedestrians. This may include the retention, refurbishment or re- instatement of existing or former access points or the provision of new facilities. Along the Thames in east London there are locations where a large amount of development is envisaged in Opportunity Areas. Some of these locations offer the opportunity for creating significant public open spaces. These may be dovetailed with the need to allow a margin of land for future flood defences (see Policy 4C.7).

Policy 4C.27 Green industries along the Thames The Mayor will, and boroughs should, generally welcome the use of waterside sites, especially those within Strategic Employment Locations, for green industries, where the majority of materials transhipment is by water.

4.133 The need for increased rates of recycling and re-use of waste will require locations to be found for green industries. Locations along the Thames and tidal tributaries will offer the additional advantages of being able to move materials by sustainable means. The London Plan Mayor of London 215

Canals and river navigations 4.134 London’s network of canals includes the Grand Union Canal, Regents Canal, Limehouse Cut, Hertford Union Canal and the River Lee Navigation as well as numerous basins and canal arms. Together they make up over 90km of waterway running through 15 boroughs. Canals are different from rivers, brooks and streams in that they are essentially man-made structures that usually have relatively little flow of water.

Policy 4C.28 Development adjacent to canals The Mayor will, and relevant boroughs should, expect development adjacent to canals to respect the particular character of the canal. For strategic referrals the Mayor will require a design statement as set out in Policy 4C.21 to cover the site and its context. In particular, opportunities should be taken to improve the biodiversity value of canals.

4.135 Canals within London have a rich and vibrant history, are an asset to London and contribute to its world city role. They are also important to the quality and diversity of the local communities along the canals. Parts of the system have been improved and other parts are still to be improved. Any opportunities to increase their transport use should be encouraged. They are also significant assets for recreation, heritage and biodiversity. The increased role of recreation and any decrease in transport use offer more opportunity to increase biodiversity.

4.136 The historical aspects of canals lie in the infrastructure itself as well as the buildings that line them. Canals link many areas of open space. Their scale is smaller and more intimate than the Thames. This means that they offer greater potential for recreation.

4.137 British Waterways has developed the concepts of character assessments and water space strategies. Boroughs may find these tools useful to carry out throughout the length of their canal or for other types of development. The principles of these concepts are captured in the design statements set out in Policy 4C.21.

Policy 4C.29 Open water space The permanent loss of open water space should be avoided along canals, as for the rest of the Blue Ribbon Network. The loss of open water to moored craft could be allowed provided there is no adverse detriment to navigation, recreation potential, the heritage or biodiversity value of the canal and that the proposals are in the overall interest of the canal system. 216 Mayor of London The London Plan

Policy 4C.30 New canals and canal restoration The Mayor will, and relevant boroughs should, seek opportunities for the creation of new canals and the restoration of the network, including former canal links and basins, as part of major development proposals and regeneration projects. The Mayor will particularly seek the restoration of the Bow Back Rivers system.

4.138 Activity on canals adds to their vibrancy and attraction and the presence of boats can aid the feeling of security. However these aspects also need to be balanced against creating a cluttered canal environment and the need to preserve open and tranquil areas. New and reinstated canals should be designed to be navigable and connect to the wider navigation network.

Rivers, brooks and streams

Policy 4C.31 Rivers, brooks and streams The Mayor will, and boroughs should, in discharging their development control and other duties, ensure that rivers, brooks and streams of all sizes are protected, improved and respected as part of the Blue Ribbon Network and as valuable entities in themselves. In particular, measures should be taken to improve the habitat and amenity value of such waterways.

4.139 The quality of the water in many of London’s larger and more prominent rivers and canals is often dependent upon the quality of what flows into them from the tributary streams. Unfortunately many of London’s rivers have been modified from their natural state and suffer pollution from many sources, including sewage from wrongly connected sewers. These factors clearly reduce their amenity and biodiversity value. This, in turn, can lead to pressure to culvert or divert such small streams, an approach which deals with the symptoms rather than the causes of these problems. The Mayor will work with others to investigate what courses of action are available to reduce the problem of wrongly connected sewers across London.

Docks

Policy 4C.32 Docks The Mayor will, and boroughs should, protect and promote the vitality, attractiveness and historical interest of London’s remaining dock areas by: • preventing their partial or complete in-filling • promoting their use for mooring visiting cruise ships and other vessels The London Plan Mayor of London 217

• encouraging the sensitive use of natural landscaping and materials in and around dock areas.

Policy 4C.33 Royal Docks The Mayor will, and the London Borough of Newham should, take a precautionary approach to any development proposals that would prohibit or make impractical the use of the Royal Docks as a navigational ‘bypass’ to the Thames Barrier.

4.140 London’s docks were once the heart of the city’s international trade. Building into the dock areas, thereby losing part of the water space goes against the Blue Ribbon Network Principles and the Mayor will generally oppose further such developments.

4.141 The docks do offer a greater degree of flexibility with regard to the mooring of vessels and the design of dockside buildings because they do not have to accommodate flowing water or natural habitats. There are few remaining historic buildings and they do not usually form part of strategic or local footpath or towpath links.

4.142 The presence of vessels in dock areas can add to the interest and vibrancy of the area and facilities for cruise ships add to the role of London as an international tourist destination. This should generally be encouraged, especially where such vessels can be shown to aid regeneration aims.

4.143 Many dock areas have very little natural landscaping in and around them. While this is clearly a reflection of their previous use, the sensitive addition of natural indigenous plants would improve the appearance of the built environment, as well as having benefits for biodiversity.

4.144 The possibility of using the Royal Docks as a bypass to the Thames Barrier should be explored and a cautious view should be taken of development that would prohibit this until the position is understood more clearly.

London’s lost rivers 4.145 Historically the central part of London had a number of rivers, which were tributaries to the Thames. Many of these had important historical connections, for example the Rivers Fleet, Tyburn and Effra. They are not part of the Blue Ribbon Network.

4.146 Attempts to re-establish lost rivers are likely to be extremely expensive. Therefore the Mayor’s approach is to welcome in principle any such 218 Mayor of London The London Plan

proposal but not to require the reinstatement in the same way that culverted parts of the Blue Ribbon Network should be opened. There may be merit in projects that mark the historic route of such rivers at street level as an educational or tourist facility.

Links outside London

Policy 4C.34 Links outside London The Mayor will work with key organisations, regional government bodies, local authorities and others on strategic issues of planning and managing the Blue Ribbon Network. The Mayor recognises that solutions to some challenges may lie outside the London boundary and that choices within London may affect other areas.

4.147 Policies for the Blue Ribbon Network in London should be closely related to those for neighbouring regions, taking account of their differing needs. London derives much of its drinking water from sources outside its boundary and is reliant on receiving good quality water from areas upstream of the Thames and other river catchments. The opportunities for transport links are greatest in the Thames Estuary although there are also possibilities for the River Lea, the Grand Union Canal and the upstream Thames.

4.148 Areas close to the Thames to the east of the London boundary may find increasing pressure for development. The Mayor encourages local planning authorities in this area to consider adopting an approach similar to the Thames Policy Area as a useful tool for structuring land use, design and capturing the opportunities that may exist. The Mayor is keen to work on a partnership basis with neighbouring regions to investigate how policies can be co-ordinated.

References 1 Froglife London Garden Pond Project 2 General Aquiter Research Development and Investigation Team (GARDIT) consists of Thames Water, London Underground, the Environment Agency, the Corporation of London, British Property Federation, the Association of British Insurers and British Telecom 3 Technical research report, Safeguarded Wharves on the River Thames, GLA, 2003